January 22, 2025 — Norway-headquartered aquaculture firm Nordic Aquafarms has abandoned its years-long fight to build a recirculating aquaculture system [RAS] salmon farm in Belfast, Maine, U.S.A.
“It’s a sad day for Maine’s economy and the outlook for aquaculture and any significant investment in the state,” Nordic Aquafarms U.S. CEO Brenda Chandler said in a release. “While a few may view this as a victory, we argue that this is a significant loss overall, not just for Nordic Aquafarms but for the community. The expanded tax base for Belfast was significant; new jobs for the area were significant; and Maine’s leadership in aquaculture-born solutions is also significant.”